After watching some videos of other artists using powdered charcoal or graphite, I had to try it out. At first I attempted to grind and gather my own powder from my pencils and sticks and then grind it. It was apparent rather quickly that I could spend a great deal of time on that.
So on the last free day before the Cronovirus lockdown, I made my way to the art supply warehouse... along with everybody else. Everybody had the same idea to stock up on art supplies while being confined to their homes. Many were parents with their children.
After what seemed like an eternity standing in the queue for the checkout, I made my way home.
What I've done with this drawing is just the beginning. I've done more research on how to get the best results out of it.
I'll report back on my further findings.
21 x 30cm graphite on paper
Original available.
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I'm going to have to look up powdered charcoal/graphite and how it differs to the regular kind XD At the moment all I see is a nice drawing XP
There's quite a few interesting things you can do with it.
Cheers @ryivhnn!
Hi Leo - I tried a variety of different approaches with charcoal, and what I found is that powder, also the stuff you grind yourself, does not stay on very well unless you use a lot of fixative. But here is a better way that I use: I got these charcoal sticks (similar in size to graphite sticks) and I spread them in broad strokes on a a gessoed panel, then spray with water and manipulate with brushes, fingers etc (fingers: wear surgical gloves). It dries quickly, then you can use erasers to work it. Any charcoal stick, as long as it is soft enough, can be manipulated with water. This is a added dimension.
I've seen Allen Williams use powder on his gesso panels. So, it seems you're right, the gesso has more tooth for the charcoal / powder to work it's way into. I'll have to give it a spin.